Press Releases

1. The Government of Japan will host the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) Maritime Interdiction Exercise Pacific Shield 18 at the Port of Yokosuka (Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture) and off Boso Peninsula and Izu Peninsula from July 24 to 26, 2018.

2. PSI is an international effort to halt the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), missiles, and related materials, which is a threat to the peace and stability of the international community, consistent with national legal authorities and relevant international law and frameworks. Under this initiative, PSI-endorsing states enhance their capabilities and understanding, share information, and conduct outreach activities through exercises, meetings, workshops and other events. Japan has been actively participating in PSI since its inception in 2003. This initiative does not target any particular states or non-state actors.

3. Pacific Shield 18 will be the fifth iteration of the Asia-Pacific Exercise Rotation (APER), which was created at the PSI 10th Anniversary High Level Political Meeting in 2013. Participants include the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Police Agency, Ministry of Finance (Japan Customs), Japan Coast Guard, Ministry of Defense and Japan Self-Defense Forces, and other related ministries and agencies of Japan. The other APER members - Australia, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Singapore, and the United States - will also participate in this exercise. Japan has invited Indo-Pacific and other countries as observers.

4. Pacific Shield 18 will consist of the Academic Session, Table Top Exercise, Port Exercise, Live Exercise, and capacity-building program for PSI-endorsing states. This exercise has great significance from the viewpoint of strengthening cooperation among the participating countries and related agencies as well as demonstrating the strong will of the international community to counter WMD proliferation. It is also expected to be an opportunity for Indo-Pacific countries to deepen their understanding of PSI’s objectives and activities.

5. This will be the fourth PSI exercise hosted by Japan, following maritime interdiction exercises Team Samurai 04 in October 2004 and Pacific Shield 07 in October 2007 and air interdiction exercise Pacific Shield 12 in July 2012.